Plant Manager

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Plant Manager to lead a 24/7 whey protein and cheese manufacturing facility. In this role, you will own end-to-end plant operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, food quality, efficiency, and people development. You will set and execute the site operations strategy, align cross-functional resources, and drive continuous improvement to consistently exceed business and customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Championing a zero-harm safety culture and ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Developing and executing the site operations strategy, annual plan, and budget aligned with long-term business objectives
• Leading production planning and execution to meet demand, optimize capacity, and deliver on-time, in-full (OTIF) service
• Partnering with Maintenance and Engineering to drive asset reliability, preventive maintenance, and shutdown planning
• Overseeing utilities and environmental performance, including energy and water efficiency
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve OEE, waste reduction, and productivity
• Managing operating costs, monitoring KPIs, and delivering performance through data-driven decision making
• Leading, developing, and coaching a high-performing operations team across all shifts
• Sponsoring capital projects from business case through commissioning and handover
• Ensuring clear communication and strong collaboration across functions

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Supply Chain, or a related field
• 10+ years of operations or production leadership experience in food or dairy manufacturing, including at least 5 years in a 24/7, multi-shift environment
• Deep knowledge of whey processing and cheese production, including UF/MF, pasteurization, evaporation, spray drying, and packaging
• Strong working knowledge of cGMP, HACCP, sanitation, and OSHA/EPA requirements
• Proven ability to lead Lean or Six Sigma initiatives and improve OEE, yield, cost, and service
• Solid financial acumen, including budgeting and CAPEX management
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional influencing skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Supply Chain, or a related field
• Master’s degree in Business, Operations, or a related discipline preferred
• Experience managing ammonia refrigeration, boilers/steam, utilities, and wastewater systems preferred
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification preferred
• Experience in SQF/BRC or other GFSI-certified environments preferred

Skills

• Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Strategic Planning
• Team Management
• Financial Management
• Collaboration
• Continuous Improvement

Benefits

• A leadership role with operational ownership at a complex, high-impact manufacturing site
• The opportunity to influence strategy, performance, and culture in a 24/7 operation
• A strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Work on capital projects, advanced dairy processing technologies, and sustainability initiatives
• A collaborative environment that values respect, accountability, and teamwork
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Pay

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Schedule

This role reports to the Director of Ingredients North America and may require infrequent domestic or international travel.